Samsung announces NX300 - 3D-capable 20MP mirrorless camera

Samsung has announced the NX300 - the latest in its NX series of APS-C mirrorless cameras. The NX300 looks a lot like its predecessors, the NX200 and 210, but it includes a series of updates that show signs of ever-greater integration between the company's cameras and its smartphones. The NX300 is built around a 20MP sensor that includes phase-detection focus elements to allow a Hybrid AF system for faster focusing. It gains a larger screen than previous NXs - the 3.3" OLED screen has 768k dots (essentially an extended version of the existing screen) - it's also touch-sensitive. A faster processor helps the NX300 hit nine frames-per-second for continuous shooting, and allows 1080p movies to be shot at 60fps. Upgrades to the camera's Wi-Fi should make connectivity simpler than its predecessors.

Further details:

Overall the NX represents a fairly major upgrade for the NX series with virtually all the camera's major systems being upgraded or overhauled. The most obvious change to the camera is the addition of a larger, tilting, touch-sensitive rear screen. It's still an OLED panel using Samsung's PenTile technology to give 800 x 480 pixel resolution using 768k dots (rather than the 640 x 480 offered in previous NXs).

On the connectivity front, Samsung promises that the camera's Wi-Fi will be easier to pair with external devices - something necessary if the process is going to become something that people are willing to use regularly. This ambition helped by a new app incorporating all the features previously split across two. It also gains an auto-share mode in which it'll re-connect to your smartphone and copy every shot you take across. The NX300 also becomes the first camera to offer dual-channel Wi-Fi - a feature starting to appear on laptops and smartphones that allows faster downloads.

But the NX300 promises to be more than an NX210 that's been speaking to the company's smartphone department. The core photographic and videographic features have also been given a boost. The on-chip phase-detection sensors allow a Hybrid AF approach that combines with the existing contrast-detection design to promise faster focusing (as usual, the degree of improvement will be lens-dependent, but Samsung promises quicker focus with all lenses). A faster processor, dubbed DRIMe IV, allows 8.6 fps continuous shooting and 1080p60 movie capture. The NX300 can also shoot with shutter speeds as fast as 1/6000th of a second. The NX300 will cost around $749.99.

In what has become typical Samsung fashion, cameras have not been made available for preview, nor have we had an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with it, so we can only report that spec changes Samsung has made. We will publish some first impressions when we get to handle it at CES next week.

3D lens

Samsung has also launched a 3D-capable version of its 45mm F1.8 NX lens. The 3D version can be used as a conventional lens but also has two LCD screens that scissor down into the optical path when you engage 3D mode. These two screens take turns to black-out their respective sides of the lens, meaning a slightly different image is projected onto the camera's sensor. The NX300 can capture and combine these alternating frames to create either 3D movies or stills.

Samsung says the feature cannot be extended to earlier NX models. The 3D version of the lens will cost around $499, rather than the $299 of the conventional version.

Press Release:

Samsung NX300 Combines Speed, Performance and Connectivity for Perfect Shooting in Every Moment

Samsung 45mm F1.8 2D/3D lens is the World’s first one-lens 3D system, capable of capturing both stills and 1080p Full HD video in perfect 3D quality

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – January 3, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the NX300, the new flagship model in its successful NX series. The NX300 once again raises the bar for compact system cameras (CSC), delivering an outstanding combination of features, functionality and style for perfect shooting in every moment. Samsung also announced the new NX45mm F1.8 2D/3D lens, the first one-lens 3D system capable of capturing both still images and full HD movies in perfect 3D quality.

Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics, commented: “Since its launch in 2010, the Samsung NX System has become synonymous with innovation and design, making the best digital imaging technology available to everyone without compromising on style. The NX300 builds even further on this illustrious heritage. Not only does it deliver incredible speed and accuracy through advanced photographic features, but it is truly built around the user, with upgraded SMART Camera functions making shooting and sharing both easy and seamless. We are also very proud to introduce the first one-lens 3D system alongside the NX300, opening up a whole new world of 3D photography and video recording for consumers everywhere.”

Perfect shooting

Central to the NX300’s outstanding imaging performance is its brand new 20.3 Megapixel APS-CMOS sensor, capable of capturing high quality detailed. Images boast sharp, life-like colors and are crisp and clear in all light conditions. The wide ISO range (ISO100-25600) further improves performance, letting users capture beautifully balanced images in even the darkest conditions. A brand new Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system also delivers fast, accurate phase and contrast detection, while the 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 9fps continuous shooting mode ensure you never miss a moment.

The Samsung’s unique in-house developed DRIMe IV imaging engine provides outstanding developments in speed, and image quality. The DRIMe IV engine enables better color reproduction and greater noise reduction, as well as support for full 1080p HD video capture in both 2D and 3D (when combined with Samsung’s new 45mm 2D/3D lens).

The NX300’s 84mm (3.31”) AMOLED screen makes capturing and reviewing your images a pleasure, while the hybrid touch screen and 5-way manual key interface is simple and intuitive to use. The tilt display makes it easier than ever to take high and low angle shots, letting you capture your world from any angle you choose.

Easy usability and stylish retro design

The compact NX300 makes it simple for anyone to achieve pro-like and impressive pictures easily with minimal technical knowledge or time spent adjusting parameters. Using the camera’s Smart Mode, users can choose from 14 different settings, such as Creative Shot, Landscape, Light Trace or Action Freeze which will automatically adjust parameters such as aperture and shutter speed in order to obtain the best shot possible for the desired situation. The NX300 also includes i-Depth, an easy and simple way to adjust the depth of an image using the NX Series’ unique i-Function system which enables users to modify camera parameters using the lens itself, adjusting the image without ever having to move off target.

The NX acclaimed design returns with the NX300 sporting a stylish yet simple retro feel that is available in either black or white with a contrast silver band, conveying elegance and authenticity.

Instant sharing through enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity

The NX300’s Wi-Fi connectivity of SMART CAMERA allows users to share their cherished photos instantly and securely between their camera and smartphone (or tablet). To connect a smartphone to the camera, users simply need to download the Samsung SMART CAMERA App., which isavailable for both Android and iOS based application markets, onto their smartphone or tablet and follow the easy steps to create a secure connection with the camera. The NX300 will be able to detect and auto-connect to the smartphone wirelessly whenever any of the SMART CAMERA features are activated. These include AutoShare; which automatically sends every high-quality photos to your smart phone for safe keeping, and Mobile Link; which allows users to select and transfer images or album from the camera directly to your smartphone at their leisure. The SMART CAMERA App. also features a Remote Viewfinder function for the NX300, allowing for even more inventive and exciting photography.

The NX300’s enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity also lets users share images with friends and family directly from the camera via social networking sites using the cameras one-touch DIRECT LINK hot key. Alternatively, images can be automatically backed up or stored in the cloud through AllShare Play ensuring they are always safe and easily accessible.

Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens

The Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens(sold separately) opens up an exciting world of 3D imaging possibilities and is the world’s first one-lens 3D system for a consumer camera. Capable of capturing both still pictures and full 1080p HD video, the Samsung NX300 and 45mm 2D/3D lens kit have become the only compact system camera supporting both 3D still and 3D movie. The NX300 is also compatible with Samsung’s entire range of NX lenses and professional standard accessories, giving users an unparalleled range of options when striving for that perfect shot.

Please visit our booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung's product line will be displayed January 8-11 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: http://www.samsungces.com/ or mobile site at: http://m.samsungces.com as well. The Samsung press conference and Samsung Tomorrow TV CES 2013 Specials will be streamed live on the Samsung Tomorrow blog at: http://global.samsungtomorrow.comand Samsung's microsite site also. After the live presentations, videos will be available at http://youtube.com/SamsungTomorrow

Comments

and Olympus M5:http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/omd-em5/FULLRES/EM5hSLI00200NR2D.HTMThanks for those links, also look at the white wool, even more detai for the nx l. I went to 2 shops and took shots with both omd- 12-50mm vs nx 300 18-55mm, and in both my tests the nx had clearley sharper more detailed shots, the other shock was it focused much closer for macro, i was about to purchase a omd but will be getting nx 300, thanks for the education.

How many stops of brightness do you lose, with the presence of the LCD in there?

How much distortion does the LCD membrane introduce?

Explanation: when clear, the LCD isn't retracted, the light is going through a membrane. Even when shooting 2d with both unveiled, it's still going through a sheet of plastic with cells on it... can't be good for image quality I would think.

according to I.-R., it appears that the LCD retracts to the sides when you switch to 2D mode, which is a good thing. I wonder if Samsung is paying the Canadian inventors of this technology any licensing fees, or if they feel they are too big/rich to be sued... after all, put this into perspective with the Apple versus Samsung lawsuits worldwide, this is minor sport for them.

With only 4 lenses out of 12 offering Image Stabilization, perhaps Samsung should be rethinking not having IS in the camera itself.

If you want to introduce cheaper lenses with higher margins, at least give us IS _somewhere_!

It's OK that a couple wide angle pancake lenses and the econo-zoom don't have OIS, but by the time you get around to a 45mm prime, it would be nice to have, and in a 85mm it is definitely a desirable and much appreciated feature! (but we don't want to pay the horrendous price of the 60mm prime to get it!)

Would it be a ridiculous fantasy, to hope that the NX30 will have in-body stabilization? (that deactivates itself when an OIS lens is present).

Samsung has a very nice selection of affordable lenses an the bodies are getting better and better - but I really don't want to mess with raw files again, so I really hope they worked on their jpegs...their big raw files don't help either.

I can attest that unless you have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, don't have your hopes too high on wifi! I couldn't get the remote viewfinder app for two different android phones that meet or exceed the minimum system requirements. Hey wait a minute... you would be planning on putting an NX300 into a model helicopter? Because that would make for a pretty big model helicopter to carry such a load.

I have seen good AMOLED, -have you seen the one in the article or just lying? Maybe you mean they are wrong and it is a HD AMOLED? Or is the article correct in the low resolution? You response is not very clear as to the reply on my remark.

I've seen the AMOLED screen on the NX200 and NX20, that last is extraordinary. Resolution is not everything, that's like people who think the number of mega pixels is the deciding factor in digital camera image quality.

To be clear: Almost all native Sony Nex lenses suck. And some of the early Nex camera bodies had really stupid menus.

Regarding the EVF and lack of controls, why don't you go over to the Sony section to complain about the existence of the NEX F3 and NEX 5R?

And regarding the screen... if you had to choose, which would you prefer`- a 16MP sensor with 920k dots LCD, + or a20MP with a 770K OLED?

The answer seems rather obvious one would think!

Ahhh I get it... are you just being a troll for the fun of it? Making negative remarks by not comparing this camera with it's actual competition, calling people liars... you're just trying to make trouble because you're bored aren't you? You almost had me there!!! hehehe nice try! LOL

I bought an NX100 a couple of years ago. It came with the standard kit zoom and I have been thinking of buying some lenses for it, but every new body that comes out is sold with a kit zoom. It means I cannot upgrade from my NX100 without having to own an additional kit zoom which I do not need. And if I want to upgrade yet again, I will have another kit zoom which I do not need. It probably seems strange that I do not buy a new lens because I am unwilling to upgrade the body, but the reason is that the whole system is not attractive to me because they force their kit zooms on me at every body upgrade. Because I am unhappy with the whole system I don't buy a new lens and keep using my main body (Canon) when I need to take pictures that need specialized lenses.

Well, if you might be interested, I am selling my NX1000 without a lens after I purchased a NX20 body. I'll give a great deal on it. Only used it for 2 months, loved it so much that I decided to get it's big brother. :)

You can try Ebay for an used NX20, get the firmware update from early June 2012--it helps with the buffer problem.

Also the kit lens that comes with the NX20 is made with better glass than the kit lens from the NX100. This NX20 kit lens also has a quiet AF so the microphones on the NX20 don't pick up the AF sounds; this is a problem when earlier NX lenses are used on the NX20 during video.

I got a new NX20 body only on ebay for $400! (450 with shipping - still an unbelievable deal) My current setup is NX20 + 30mm f2 lens, and a Minolta 50mm f1.4 (with adapter) - both those lenses average a bit over 100 bucks each. If you ever do buy a kit, just sell the kit lens on ebay, or someone from here who bought the body (like me) might just buy it from you.

Nice to see that Samsung have such a loyalty to the brand.But unless a camera manufacture pay you to shoot with their product, the loyalty should be to yourself. And you should be able to critic a camera even if you spend good money on it. While looking like a nice camera, it is lacking any dials to control quickly the exposure. Samsung blurb mention some aperture control in the lens but there is not aperture ring. So you probably will to sacrifice other function to do that. This where most of Panasonic equivalent cameras and all of Sony NEX cameras have the advantage.Seemingly Lack of direct control make this camera more of a very smart point and shot rather then a full creative toll.

Wow, basically you don't know what you are talking about ;)The lack of button won't be a big issue I guess simply because the main photographic features are available from a nicely placed button on the lens linked to a fast ergonomic menu.

I am afraid that is you who do not know what you are on about.Changing features is totally different to quick control over shutter and aperture. It may be that the camera will have touch screen sliders to control these, but that in turn means that you will have to cover part of the image with your thumb or have a smaller display area on the screen. Controlling aperture and shutter via buttons was tried in the 90s and was a complete failure.Of course, the consumers will decide if the idea is a good one or bad, not me.

gioradan, please, do yourself a favor: pick up any NX20, NX210, NX1000 and try it out. You will see that manual control is a dream come true. Samsung is lauded by evaluators as having the best user interface bar none.

I can see from the tread of input from you that you are a fan of Samsung cameras and that is fair enough Timmbits.But do not let this make you blind to critiques of the products.

I shot promotional imagery for few Japanese camera makers and also been sent cameras to critique.So while not having experience with Samsung camera I do know what works and what not. Dials for basic control over the exposure seem to still be the best way to go about it.Correct me if I am wrong. but both NX20 &NX1000 have a multi function dial in the back?I shot manually all the time even on basic cameras and the for best response I find that two dials for each aperture & Shutter control.This is why all the top end cameras always have them.It does not mean that the NX300 is a bad camera. but lets take the NEX7 dials ergonomics (far more expensive I know) as a study in how you can put easy control on a small mirrorless cameras.

Wheel at the top to control shutter speed and wheel at the back controls aperture. You can also use a wheel on the lens itself (the iFn) and assign it basically whatever you want (ISO, aperture, shutter speed etc). Much nicer than my Canon you should give it a try.

@Gioradan"So while not having experience with Samsung camera...""I will surly try to put my hand on one of those NX and see how they work."

Yes well it may have been a better "plan-A" to investigate before taking a stance.

Although I do understand your initial commentary regarding control dials, and I side with you about the dials in general.

I haven't handled the NX300 myself either, but I've owned an NX200, NX1000, and now own a NX20.You would like the NX20 (and surely it's successor, the NX30). It has the nice dials, and it has Samsung's very very very nice Function menu accessible from the Fn button. And with iFn lens, you get an extra simple straight access menu.What I like the most about the Samsung cameras, is that if you have tried ANY menu on other cameras, you will LOVE Samsung's Fn button menu in comparison.

Since Samsung make their own sensors, it will be interesting to see if there is a IQ advantage over their previous NX series.

I hope they release the NX-30 soon and keep the flipscreen. If you haven't tried it yet, check out the NX-20 in a shop. The dslr-like body is really good. Excellent evf, flipscreen and about the same size as the omd.

I tried both recently and prefer the Samsung body. The lenses are just as small as NEX too. OMD IQ is better though, which is why it would be nice to see a new Samsung sensor. APS-C format has benefits for some types of photography.

In the US there aren't many shops with NX20s on display. Why even bring up Nex lenses? Compared to Samsung or those Olympus m4/3rd lenses, the native Sony Nex lenses are awful.

wootpile + Kodachrome200:

Shooting raw and extracting in ACR, the image quality of the sensor in the NX20 is excellent through ISO 4000. Of course it helps to have say the excellent Samsung NX F2 30mm lens.

IQ wasn't the problem with the NX200/210/20. It was the awful buffer and then Samsung shot themselves in the foot by shipping those cameras with a Samsung NX only version of the awful Silkypix raw extraction software. (That last is not to be confused with the total image quality capacity of these earlier NX cameras.)

It's easy to put up a picture that is out of focus... but on imaging-resource they have a test photo that is in-focus, and compared to the omd it's better. I'm just surprised that DPR left it like that. No wonder DPR is complaining that Samsung won't send them an eval unit.

Take a look at the salt (detail, dr), the Fiddler's label (detail behind hat), and the gauge wheel. The M5's white balance seems better, but not the resolution contrary to what we see on DPR where the Samsung test shots are made to look like they used a broken lens. .

First it was Jap this Jap that - copycat brainless tech thieves the Japanese. Look at it now, all that nonsense has turned into high respect for the Japanese electronic and technical mastery. Now everyone wants to make sure that theirs is Japanese.

For all the zombies who missed the first show of prejudice and stupidity that ran for nearly four decades, you can start a brand new show, booting Korean technology and feeling better about yourselves ( and your revered Japanese brands ).

I knew I saw that somewhere: my NX20 does 3D - found it in the menu. And I've seen it in other cameras too. I think the difference is that the new lens allows you to do 3D full HD video on top of that.

For serious 3D photography you need to shoot both views at the same time. Your options are therefore very limited at the moment:

- Compact cameras from Fuji or Panasonic (limited iQ)- Panasonic 3D lens for mft (resolution and aperture very limited )- Using two cameras (not very convenient, what I am doing at the moment)

Implementing a shutter in a 3D lens is an interesting concept. A far as I have understood the single lens will be "split" into two smaller ones. The raise in maximum aperture should not be a big deal since you want a wider depth of focus anyway in 3D shots. It is more the small stereo basis together with the equivalent focal length of about 70 mm that makes me frown.

You can shoot 3D Panorama up to 7152 x 1080 pixels size with NEX-F3 and view on a 3D compatible TV connected to the camera using an HDMI cable (sold separately). I haven't tried this and it might not be for "serious 3D photography", though.

Good point. I simply consider photography as serious if the photographer takes it serious in terms of investing time for taking the pictures and presenting them. Therefore I have to correct myself: You can do "serious" 3D photography with one camera if your objects don't move. You may find those situations less frequently as you might think though (leaves in the wind, people running around …). Those artifacts draw your attention and you soon wish to have a "real" 3D camera. I can hardly wait to see the first 3D sample images from the Samsung.

Samsung evil camera has been out for awhile. Saw one at fry's years ago and ask if they sold many, and she said no. Advertisement and branding play strong in shopper minds. I thought it was a good series for the features at the time.

@thereason: reading what one wants and ignoring what doesn't agree with one's preconceived notions isn't a good reason for dissing. (I'm of course, referring to other comments here just like you are - not Spectro's.)

@ChrissKramer: For me, it was a toss-up between NEX and NX. My earlier retort aside, the nex6 is a very nice camera indeed. But it wasn't around when I made my decision, the nex7 was just too expensive, and the other NEXs just not as appealing. Also there was much criticism of Sony NEX lenses, I hated past Sony menus, and the 20+MP category provides for better resale value for a longer period of time (with the second-hand market already over-saturated with 12MP, 14MP and 16MP models).

@noreason: we're all happy to hear that you drive a Daimler-Benz because they invented the automobile, but that line of reasoning just isn't pertinent. However, were I to follow your logic, getting a Kodak camera (because it copied no one else's design) just wasn't an available option. So, in that light, I'm sorry to let you down. Not!

Android on this camera would slow down the start up time to ridiculous levels, just look at how long it takes to start up the camera and then shoot with Nikon Android compact and the figure will probably kill a lot of peoples anthusiasm for it......

I view Android and wireless + mobile communication as major trends also for cameras, and Samsung as one of the players than can really leverage upon these trends. But it's just a bit early. Boot time is one of the issues that needs to be resolved.

Most cameras do not need 'silly' apps, but all modern cameras need a lot of software. And future cameras will need a lot of software for communication with other devices and with social media. Building this software on Android and similar standard platforms instead of proprietary ones is just common sense. Even the 'big guys' will figure this out, sooner or later.

@pixelatorcw: I don't know about this android and social media stuff - I mean, who uses/needs this anyways? I'd be curious to know if it's like you have the facebook addicts on one side, who have it on their computer, their phone, and now want it on their camera, and on the other side, those who find it just complexifying a camera, where all we want to do is take great pictures and only want programs in our face when we are in front of a computer or smartphone. I think the android camera thing is just to invade the space created by the smartphone, but is not destined to replace the entire market - no one would kid themselves of that.

@TimmTimmbits: People are social animals who generally love simplicity and convenience. It is that simple! Mobile phones were never preferred over compact cameras for snapshots due to their fantastic image quality. But the user-perceived simplicity of shoot-and-share has been a driving force.

What then about the professionals and enhusiasts? Well, they are social creatures as well. So they will want to share images. Maybe not on Facebook or Instagram, and at least maybe not before post-processing. But what about image exchanges with customers? Colleagues? Print shops? Retouching providers? What about direct communication between camera and smartphone for exchanging GPS info or letting the phone or iPad act as a remote control?

Look at today's lackluster implementation of in-camera wifi implementations (e.g., Nex-6 and S110) and just imagine how this may have been implemented using a well-proven platform like Android...

NXnnnn = lower cost segment but dont release a cheaper NXnnn but move the NXnnn into the NXnnnn category. (I really dont see the point of a cheaper NXnnn when they do almost the samething) - This section also should be released on a constant basis like Point and shoots (kinda like a test bed of ideas and new ideas)

NXnnn = make this category into what the NXnnnn is plus a EVF just to cover the segment ie a Leica M3 wanabe - This should almost every 2-3 years they should come out with something new (which incorporates the NXnnnn stuff)

NXnn = DSLR style (keep it as it is) - Should come out the same time as the NXnnn category every 2-3.

But yea I see Samsung's market segment is the common consumer market and not amateur/pro photographers which will likely buy a Nikon/Canon... or a Leica for the full body... and all Sony is, is just the king of marketing (prob the majority of the ideas right now with Sony is likely left over ideas from Minolta, and what ever fresh ideas from the Minolta designers they rehired)

Well once they release a new camera, I can convert my existing 3 samsung cameras to a Leica lens holder - R/Screw/M mounts.

The adapter isn't just for adapting different physical interfaces - it is to give the legacy lens the correct back of lens to sensor distance that it was originally designed for and with which it works best. Mirrorless systems have lenses designed to be much closer to the sensor than lenses designed for the extra distance with a mirrorbox. That is why even among Sony lenses, you want to have an adaptor to use legacy lenses on NEX. I can attest that thanks to such an adapter, a Minolta 50mm f1.4 lens works wonderfully with my NX20! :D This table on wikipedia gives you the various distances: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flange_focal_distance

It doesnt. Samsung marketing is non-existing. Our local Samsung center has NX cams only for Christmas, cause as they say "it wouldnt sell over the year".

How could it, if they dont have them?!

Samsung was tied with Pentax for long time, they both learned a lot from each other, its still visible in how NX series operate and work. But problem is, that Pentax since digital is very niché market, so its not really big brand and thanks to that neither is Samsung. Most people doesnt know that Samsung actually made dSLRs. :)

Unlike Sony buying Konica Minolta imagining part, which helped them quite a bit to become famous. Samsung didnt buy anyone and fact that they did dSLRs with Pentax is now forgotten history.

If you say digital camera, most people will say Canon and Nikon, few maybe Sony.. almost no one will say Pentax and Samsung? They made digital camera? :D

Quote: "If you say digital camera, most people will say Canon and Nikon, few maybe Sony.. almost no one will say Pentax and Samsung? They made digital camera? :D"

Right because no one would think of saying Panasonic or Olympus, NOT.

Pentax lenses don't resemble Samsung NX lenses, funny that means Samsung did a lot of independent development for those NX lenses--work Sony skipped when they decided which lenses to develop for the Nex system.

(Panasonic, Fuji and Olympus also paid attention when developing lenses for their mirrorless systems. And Pentax took a different approach for it's mirrorless system.)

@Mescalbamba: how come bloggers have been able to try the NX300 then? Look here if you want to see a hands-on first impressions of the NX300 and it's UI:http://www.thephoblographer.com/2013/01/03/first-impressions-samsung-nx300-and-45mm-f1-8-3d/

Come to think of it, why don't we all just go to the Sony columns, and condemn Sony for being a bad company because they also sell models without a viewfinder? Because we're smart, and we can read and research.

"the first nx with view finders didnt copy sony, they copied panasonic."Any evidence of this, aside from your own speculations? Just because NX10 were similar to the Panasonic G series, it doesn't mean they copied it.You're also implying that the NX without EVF are copies of Sony NEX, but when NX100 were announced, the first NEX models had only been out for a few months. Obviously they had been in development simultaneously. You don't develop a new camera in just a few months.

"the first nx with view finders didnt copy sony, they copied panasonic" or perhaps we can just go back to the invention of the camera, follow it's evolution, and just list who copied who copied who copied who copied who copied who...

Personally I rather like the look of the black one. It is a sort of love child of the NEX5 and Leica X series. Which is no bad thing. As for lenses, as Samsung do an adapter for the NX to K-mount, I can imagine using it with the wonderful Pentax primes, even the superb M42 Takumars that I have.

As for ergonomics and menus, I cannot say until I have actually handled one.

don't worry about adapters - generic ones are available to day on ebay: $22! You can get them for any lens - but only use the lenses in manual mode. works great though: the NX cameras wither magnify the image or do focus peaking - just choose your preference in settings.

The 3D method used should work great for video. They're probably losing something over 2 stops for the LC shutter (1 stop for the LC + more than 1 stop for limiting the view). The 1/8.6s gap between side images in a 3D still is less wonderful, but should be fine for most uses.

However, the other aspects of this camera feel strangely "me too" for an industrial leader like Samsung. It looks more like an incrementally-improved answer to the NEX-5R than an attempt to take the lead....

Samsung has some interesting ideas, but it's always a step behind the competition in the areas that really matter. The NX sensor performance is worse than even micro 4/3, despite the larger size. The lens line up is lagging behind. It's just not a particularly compelling system. I wish it was, because competition drives development, but it's simply to easy to write off as an "also ran."

Samsung sensors worse than 4/3rds ... What a load of nonsense - this site is full of idiot coments like this from people with zero hands on knowledge ... Ruins the site!

My NX11 outperforms both my NEX and D5100 in terms of IQ and general usability! Focusing is a bit slow, but to say it has a worse sensor than a 4/3rds is just stupid talk from someone who obviously has no idea what they are babbling about. Idiots ... So frustrating!!!!

well....i would say that the first generation nx sensors are definitely worse than the gh3 and omd, and slightly better than first gen. m4/3 sensors. but the new nx sensors are definitely better than the first gen. m4/3 sensors, and perhaps mildly worse than the gh3/omd. who knows about the nx300 sensor though

Well guys, I am sad to report that it is on this very website, that we are presented with test shots, where we can compare out of focus images from the NX210 with well focused images from MFT cameras. Check for yourself. (go directly to the queen of hearts playing card, and compare NX210 with Oly OMD5 for example. THEN, go to imaging-resource if you want to see IN-FOCUS picture taken with the Samsung, and compare it to in-focus pictures of MFT, and you will see that the Samsung is actually better.

@chadleychad, you're saying your samsung outperforms a nex? first time i heard that. the nex cameras are, by most accounts, the best you can get. great IQ, great DR, brilliant RAW files, good hangling, fast writes, fast burst, superb low light, great build. the only lacking from the nex lines is sheer lense options (though most of the commonly used focal engths are already covered). even the af is good (and better now). they are fantastic cameras.

i don't think i've come across any reviews saying samsung has done better. quite the opposite really. The NX's are fine cameras however.

The samples are here. Early Samsung sensors were noisy, current looks less noisy, but also less detailed (raw files). I am not going to give every single instance, if people want to argue, they will argue.

@gsum: If you are going to answer your own questions, then why even ask?

I speak as a NEX owner (NEX C3 and NEX-6), Nikon D5100 owner and owner of an NX11 so I think I qualify mre than most on here to state a valid opinion. All are great cameras and I have to say the NEX is my favourite as its with me the most; but for IQ, with standard lenses and Canon FD lenses (via adaptor), the NX wins hands down! Sure, it's dog slow but it's a beautiful camera to use (especially for HDR) and the IQ is IMO the best.

I've also owned an EX1 which was reluctantly sold in favour of an S90 (purely down to size), but yet again, it was IMO the best in class P&S ... Better than the canon and pany.

Samsung are like sigma - Awesome underrated cameras, which is a shame and a loss to those that would rather call them than actually buy one and try for themselves. Anyone can state an opinion, but if it ain't based on facts then it's pretty worthless IMO.

The Samsung NX lenses sure outperform almost all of the Sony Nex native lenses.

The image quality of the NX100 with good Samsung lenses, shooting raw, and extracting in ACR s is excellent. No it does not match the photos I've taken with a Nikon D3s and a Zeiss lenses, but almost no digital camera would. My NX20 had very good IQ too.

I won't go so far as to say that Samsung NX cameras have better IQ than Sony Nexes, because I don't own an Nex system, but it is a possibility, particularly since Sony chose to shoot itself in the foot and ship bad lenses for the Nex system.

"as good as real NEX"??? Do you compare Olympus with Fuji just because both have retro styling? I think not. This is an NX, not a NEX. And it's not trying to be a NEX! NEX is very good, and if you prefer Sony, then by all means, go with that. For me it was a toss up, but in the end features for dollar had me choose Samsung. It all depends on your needs and priorities. Both are nice camera systems, both with their strong points and flaws. Last time I checked, there isn't a perfect camera anywhere to be found. And I don't think Samsung is trying to be NEX at all, rather, Samsung is offering more bang for your buck, for those that prefer to go with the underdog than with a big brand that has too many models (because they put in limitations to make you spend more on the NEXt one up).

timbits, you do know that there are various NX's yes? some are lower and higher end than others. it's the same strategy sony uses as well as olympus.

the cameras cater to different people. a lot of ppl would do just fine with the f3. i spent a whole year with a c3 before i decided i wanted to get more serious, by which point, i upgraded to a nex 7 w the zeiss 24. i can tell you now, there woud have been no way i would have plonked down that kind of money without first dipping my feet in at the much lower price range of the c3.

there are ppl who feel the 5n is enough so they pay for that. then there are those who want more, so they pay for the 6/7. these are valid ways to segment a product line. why in the world would you want everyone to fork over money for top of line gear they most likely can't or won't know how to use?

But WT21'c comments aren't constructive or unbiased. He doesn't say why he's bored or indicate whether he owns the camera. The moderators should delete comments that amount to nothing more than hearsay or trolling because they get in the way of serious debate.

A genuine effort, but I fear Samsung had miss some key area though, the lack of provision for external EVF( well if its me, I would sell this cam with a LCD loupe with the package ... lol ), the miniaturized control dial that's simply a bit too fiddly for many. Lack of a build in flash. Somehow I wonder if the Mfr want their share of business at all ... To be fair I like the Samsung NX, just that the Mfr keep trying to feed us half baked product is not going to made me a dedicated customer , nor even a customer at all when others are doing better.

what is wrong with some of you???? there's an NX20 and will be an NX30!!! you don't actually purchase external viewfinders yourself, because you're here complaining about the mid-model and don't want to pay the extra bucks for the model that HAS a viewfinder!

There's nothing wrong with wanting a viewfinder, or at least an option for one, on a model like this. It's smaller than the NX20/30 and personally I think a VF in the upper left corner would make it much more compelling and a better selling camera. Look at the NEX6, for the price, they sure got that form factor nailed. (The horrid menu system is another topic though).

The EVF (at least the option to buy) is pretty much necessary for an enthusiast camera.

If it is being marketed as a point and shoot model, not so much.

Personally, I don't care that much about high ISO (most of these cameras are pretty good), or pixel-peeping IQ, but no EVF is a deal-breaker. If everyone else in the world feels differently, fine. But I'm not doing to change my opinion. No EVF = zero chance that I consider the camera.

Consider this: Sony has the A lineup, with a mirror. If they didn't add a VF into the NEX6, their mirrorless lineup wouldn't have a model with a VF. And look at how many models they have - with limitations to upsell. Now look at Samsung. They only have 3 models, all 3 are mirrorless. An econo model, an midline, and a higher end. The higher end satisfies those who want an EVF, and who like the better ergonomics. It's not THAT much bigger (despite appearances). One day, when Samsung has greater market share, and they can afford to limit features in order to upsell because they have a dozen models, you just may miss the days when you didn't have to spend extra on a higher model to have stereo sound in your videos or some minor feature they left out of the firmware of a cheaper model. Firmware is just software on a ROM, and better software costs nothing extra if you've written it for the more expensive camera, yet that is exactly what Sony, Nikon, Canon do.

...and the latest Sony mirroless without EVF? Yeah, those have an option to add an EVF too.

Only the first gen ones didn't. Samsung is now (according to their numbering) on their third gen, are they not? This even has a full hot shoe, which means they have a convenient mount and plenty of places to add pins (see the newest Sony hot shoe or the m43 cams).

I counted 8 large sensor Sonys introduced in 2012. But if we include 2011 which NEX7 is a part of, that brings the total to 13 if my tired eyes haven't overlooked anything. Samsung offers 3 large sensor models (4 with NX300 but we all know the 2012 line will be phased out). And to enhance my point, just look at a Nikon D3200 vs. D5200... no stero sound on a 3200? What's up with that? And no bracketing? Nope, have to buy a 5200 for that. That is what I am talking about.

also, there's very little you miss out on by buying the nex over their A mount dslr lines. the biggest difference is phase detect & access to larger lense lineup.

it's also quite clear sony is bringing the dslr tech down to the nex lines. you are right about the bigger makers but sony operates quite differently. they aren't afraid to eat into their dslr lines. you also implied sony is a big player and sammy is an underdog. i'd take a look again. sony is alo an inderdog. very few ppl take their dslr's seriously. it wasn't until the nex that they became something in the camera world. sony, samsung, olympus etc, these guys are all underdogs vs nikon & canon. you seem to get very confused about this for some reason.

@combatmedic, sorry, I didn't consider the nex7 to be a current model - I thought it was relegated to yesterday being from 2011, with the 2013 models coming out. But you're ignoring my point. Sony has 8 2012 large sensor models, if you go back to 2011 they have 13 total. While Samsung maintains 3 at a time, and none of them restrain the firmware - they,re all pretty much the same software, look, feel, UI, features, except where there is additional hardware upgrade involved. Which you definitely cannot say for any of the Sony, Canon, or Nikon camera lines! Sony can only have that many models if they are purposely limiting some, to upsell you to models that sell at the price point and margins they prefer. Sure they can get away with it, but we, as customers don't have to buy it. That's why I bought a NX20 last month, and at $400 I couldn't justify laying down an extra grand just to please Sony. Yes, Sony is nice. But canikony are no longer in control of things. The customers are now.

@wansaiNEX-6 is not the replacement for NEX-7. It sits below it in the line-up, and above NEX-5R, just as A65 sits between A57 and A77 in the SLT line-up. NEX-7 is a high-end "prosumer" model, and those usually aren't replaced every year. It will probably be replaced later this year, though.So the current line-up (not including earlier models that are still available) of "serious" cameras from Sony is:SLT: A37, A57, A65, A77, A99NEX: F3, 5R, 6, 7Compacts: RX100, RX1

Sorry guys, I was a bit confused about all those models, indeed, NEX7 and NEX6 are both current.

But just to clarify:the point I was trying to make, is the big-3 all have the following strategy: define the camera and it's features: that becomes your top model. Then, working backwards, start taking out software code, removing some capabilities. It's software, darn it! Production costs don't change because you truncated code that is already written.The best example I can think of, comes from Nikon, in the D5200 vs. D3200. Removing a hinge from an LCD, one of two mics, and preventing you from doing bracketing doesn't change cost. BUT it DOES show you how little you could be paying for a D5200!

The number of models is multiplied by all the increments of intentional crippling that goes into them. That's NOT paying for innovation.

Samsung, in contrast, just seems more honest, doesn't insult my intelligence, and is more like the kind of company I like to do business with.

no built-in flash and no VF (optic nor electronic) , at least not a word on it , and again no way to mount VF while with flash , IQ is yet to be seen , but shooting "from hip" (screen+small body+big lens) and no stabilization will ruin couple good shot for sure

Oh gosh, there is some nonsense here.1) Given the way that Samsung have managed to achieve a dominating position in the phone, laptop, printer and TV markets you would be foolish to ignore their presence in high-level digital cameras. 2) The complaints about missing EVFs etc ignore the fact that Samsung are clearly now running 3 tracks in their NX series; an X000 series at the bottom, an X00 series without viewfinder and a higher level X0 series with EVF. It is a potent strategy.3) The lens lineup is good and cheap. Their 30mm F2 in particular is a stellar lens. They do however need to do something about telephotos. 4) I saw on one site that they are bundling Lightroom with this. A very interesting development.5) Samsung have shown a commitment to the serious camera market. Their big mistakes so far have been on pricing and marketing that there are signs that that is changing. If this NX300 is priced well then I think it could be a very popular line indeed.

I think a lot of people prefer the more compact form factor of the X00 series over the "DSLR-styled" X0 series, and would like such a camera with an EVF. The thing is, if Samsung would make such a camera, you would hear complaints about them copying NEX-6/7 or Fuji X-E1. Some people are just never happy.

As i said, samsung will show us a 3d-camera. if the lightpath will be cut into two parts. then the angle will be at least 90mm, leading to a 90 x1.5=135mm(rather a bit longer) tele-lens. together with this small base(around 30mm) 3d-depths is not ideal for long distances but for near/mdirange. Its a good start. I can only hope that samsung will offer us a twinning system using the shown box-like camera-design(ALA hasselblad). 60mm base and longer could be achieved.

I don't think so. Not much is known about the lens but I guess splitting of the lightpath is done at aperture level. So not the focal length is changed but the maximum aperture. I guess it is just like two smaller lenses if 3D is switched on. There have to be some additional optical elements (prisms) therefore for angular correction. With a tiny stereo basis, however and an equivalent focal length of about 70 mm the 3D effect will not be very pronounced.

This looks like a nice camera, but the MILC market is getting too crowded right now. M4/3 has the lenses, and with the new Sony sensors it will be hard to top. Sony NEX is pretty well entrenched too. Fuji claimed the high ground, going for the high end faux Leica retro niche. And you can never dismiss Nikon and Canon, simply for their huge marketing ability.

I'm afraid Samsung is going nowhere, except perhaps in their home market.

And it's a pity too... because this really looks like a nice camera. There are just too many players in a very crowded small slice of the market now.

unfortunately I had to agree with you even though Samsung had in the NX a decent system / setup. Its a pity but its also true for so many nice system that come up on and off over the years in photographic equipment market. Some are eclipsed by time, and technology, some are just result of less than enough put forth by the Mfr, which is somewhat the case with the NX. both in its implementation of the product, and mostly in its marketing. Samsung had shown that they are no0t too well versed in this market sector. Just having the 3 tier models and the lens is not enough, and there is not enough distinction between the 3 either.

On a more serious note, this camera looks more comfortable to hold than most mirrorless cameras, however, I have to say that that large pixel count raises a few yellow flags in my head. Over the years I have observed that whenever Samsung tries to compete with other companies in terms of megapixel count, they tend to sacrifice many other things (see their old Ultra range for reference).

I hope they can prove me wrong, as Samsung tends to be one of the most disruptive companies when it comes to mobile devices, and it would be great to see more competition in the mirrorless camera market. But it will take more than a 3D lens and 20 megapixels to convince me, that's just my opinion.

The touchscreen implementations of camera interfaces that I have seen so far, outside of cellphones, have been everything but usable.

Let me put it another way.

I don't consider having a touchscreen, by itself, a good feature. It's how good the software is that will determine how useful of a characteristic it will be. If it's closer to the implementations I've seen in cellphones, then it should be ok, but if it's closer to any other camera I've used with touchscreens, then I think you'll find the experience lacking.

But this is mere speculation, we can't make a judgement on this matter without knowing how it actually operates.

@HowaboutRAWThat was along time ago and the warranty repair I had done on my NX100 was fine and I never read of any repaired camera failing again. I am sure they have sorted that out by now. It failed probably because of a design flaw which I am sure is sorted by now.

Another battery sucker...perhaps Samsung engineers now know color better than before? I tried NX1000 and NX20, JPG ooc sucks. I also found many Samsung devices with AMOLED has yellowish color, far from accurate. I guess Samsung only knows how to combine so many features into a single device and that's it.

The camera will be a fine bit of equipment until you need to update the firmware or even find the firmware for the lens. On the UK site you have to know the lens software is on the NX10 page and people often ask directions to find it as many current owners will not know the NX10 existed. Samsung make very good equipment but the idea of longevity is still a bit of a mystery to them and coding standards, version control and release systems of firmware are pretty abysmal IMHO.

I'm the world's #1 Oly fanboy, and I ended up going with Panasonic when I converted to m43 simply because Oly didn't offer any models with a built-in viewfinder at that time (since changed with the E-m5).

There is a fine line here. Samsung wants to appeal to compact upgraders, but also enthusiasts. Many enthusiasts are going to want an EVF. I think Oly realized that they miscalculated initially by not offering any models with an EVF.

Although I have a camera system I like a great deal- I always root for Samsung's cameras, they're a nice little under dog. They always seem to come up slightly short of a great camera- hope this one doesn't disappoint.